University of Connecticut Athletics
Blue/White Showcase Gives Fans A Look At Football Huskies
4/22/2022 10:39:00โฏPM | Football
UConn Athletic Communications / April 22, 2022
STORRS, Conn. โ Nearly 3,000 fans got an early look at the 2022 UConn football team in action Friday night as the team staged a Blue/White Showcase under the lights at Morrone Stadium.
The fans, including Conn. Governor Ned Lamont, got to see the Huskies' offense, defense and special teams in game-like situations as the team wraps up spring football. The players will return in June to begin preparation for the 2022 season, which begins on Aug. 27 at Utah State. The home opener is set for Sept. 3 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field against Central Connecticut.
But on a Friday night in April, it was mostly about fun โ fun for the fans, fun for the players and fun for the coaches, especially the head coach.
"I've had more fun with this team than any team I've ever coached," UConn coach Jim Mora said.
That's quite a statement, considering Mora's vast experience coaching at the college and professional level.
"There is zero entitlement on this team," he added by way of explanation. "Everybody on this team, everybody in this building, is willing to work for it and that's a nice thing, when no one expects it to be given to them. I told the guys a couple of weeks ago, 'I've never been around a group that is more willing to work for it than you guys are.' And that is really refreshing. Really refreshing."
That's what Mora has taken away from the weeks of spring football.
"The most important thing I've learned is their willingness to do what it takes to be a good football team," Mora said. "Their attitude is outstanding, their work ethic is outstanding, the way they talk to each other is outstanding, the culture we're building is really good."
Mora explained that the film from Friday night will allow the coaching staff to evaluate execution, effort and the like. It's too early to make any decisions about specific players.
"It's just awesome being out here," he said. "It's a great environment and I know our players are loving it. We're a little sloppy and I think we're a little nervous. It's a good thing we're doing this. We'll do it several more times โ dress rehearsals."
Mora, however, is well aware of the tasks he and his staff are facing.
"We have a ton of work to do, developing the players we have, recruiting more ย talent and developing them," he said, "but I haven't had one single moment when I'm not having fun and I think the future is very bright." ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
